BBMP inspects eateries and pubs for adherence to fire-safety measures, but hoteliers argue that this is an insufficient solution.
In response to a recent fire incident at a café located on the terrace of a three-story building, officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) were observed conducting inspections of pubs, bars, and restaurants throughout the city on Friday.
Under the guidance of Dr. Balasundar, the BBMP Chief Medical Officer (Public Health), a team of officials conducted inspections at 280 establishments. Of these, 167 were served notices for breaching safety regulations. Additionally, 21 pubs, bars, and restaurants were instructed to cease operations due to their non-compliance with safety norms.
Bengaluru South tops the list with seven establishments closed, followed by Bengaluru East in second place with six closures. Bengaluru West secures the third position with five closures. Additionally, authorities mandated the closure of one establishment each in Bommanahalli, Bengaluru East, and RR Nagar. Notably, Dasarahalli and Yelahanka Zones had no reported violations. The majority of the closed pubs in Bengaluru West were operating from rooftop locations.
“We will continue inspecting the pubs, bars & restaurants and hotels in future. The establishments that have been served notices, must respond on the measures taken to comply with the norms,’’ said BBMP Chief Medical Officer (Public Health) Dr Balasundar.
It is said that during the inspection, the officials found fire extinguishers placed at the wrong locations. The teams also found that most joints had no fire exits. “We have ordered the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants that don’t have fire exits. We will revoke closure orders only after fire exits are facilitated and penalty is paid for violation of the norms all these years,’’ Dr Balsundar said.
He said that he has directed the owners to organise fire safety mock drills for workers and employees. “We found that most of the pubs, bars and restaurants operating from rooftops had not organised any fire safety mock drills for their employees,’’ he said.
Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association executive committee member Krishnaraj S P said that closure of these establishments is not a solution. “It is the BBMP that issues trade licences to them. It is their responsibility to verify whether the owners have taken measures to follow fire safety norms,’’ said Krishnaraj.
Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association president PC Rao described the fire mishap at Mudpipe Café as unfortunate. “It is the responsibility of owners of pubs, bars and restaurants to take fire safety measures for the welfare of employees. A majority of owners have already put in place fire safety measures by installing fire extinguishers and creating awareness on how to use LPG. We have decided to organise safety programmes, training, make posters, and guidelines for the benefit of hoteliers. Closure is not an answer. We are planning to have a meeting with the BBMP officials shortly,’’ said Rao.